Jenkins receive award

Dr. Joe and Sandy Jenkins are the 2013 recipients of the Donaghey Award for Outstanding Service.

For their consistent support of its students and programs, Divine Word College honored Dr. Joe and Sandy Jenkins with the Donaghey Award for Outstanding Service on Sunday, September 29.

“Joe and Sandy are wonderful examples of what it means to share ones time and talent with Divine Word College and the Dubuque community,” wrote Carol and Dennis Powers, who nominated them for the award. They pointed to the Jenkins’ involvement in the college’s FAN (Friends Across Nations) Club, as well as providing a home for visiting French students and support of college cultural events. Besides Dr. Jenkins’ annual medical mission trips to Haiti, the Jenkins’ are also strong supporters of their parish in Dubuque, and charitable efforts including the fight against breast cancer. “They are very modest people and it would be hard for anyone to know the extent of their involvement, sharing themselves for the betterment of others.”

The Jenkins have been particularly active in the FAN Club, which connects DWC international students with local families for cultural exchange and a chance for the students to experience home life in this country. Since joining the club in 2001, the Jenkins have stayed in contact with many of their students. One was ordained this past summer, another is well on his way to the priesthood, and still another is in the SVD Novitiate at Techny, Illinois. Meanwhile, the Jenkins’ current FAN Club family includes three DWC students.

The award is named in honor of Fr. John Donaghey, SVD, who dedicated much of his life to Divine Word, first as an instructor and later as Dean of Students, Vice President of Academic Affairs, President, and longtime member of the Board of Trustees. The award was established in 1999 to honor those who have shown a long-term commitment to DWC. Since then, 30 individuals have been presented with the award.